Curacao becomes smallest nation to qualify for World Cup
The island nation of Curacao in the Caribbean has become the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup. It breaks Iceland’s record from 2018 with a population less than half the size of the Nordic nation. It joins fellow debutants, Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan, as well as Haiti, Panama, and Scotland.
Former England manager Steve McLaren resigned as Jamaica’s coach after the island nation overcame his side. Curacao’s manager Dick Advocaat will now become the oldest manager at a World Cup, aged 78. He takes the record from 2010 Greek coach, Otto Rehhagel who was 71 at the time.
Curacao is 37 miles off the coast of Venezuela. It only became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010 after the Netherlands Antilles were dissolved. Just a decade ago, FIFA ranked it 150th but it has since climbed to 82nd.
The expanded format for the 2026 World Cup will feature 48 countries instead of 32. Hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA qualify automatically. But the expanded format has given more nations a chance to qualify.
It will be joined by Haiti and Panama from Concacaf, the North and Central American and Caribbean confederation, with Jamaica having to attempt qualification via intercontinental play-offs.
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
